VicPD are charging two men after allegedly dealing drugs during breaks in their Supreme Court proceedings in which they were being charged with drug trafficking.
Their original alleged offences took place in January 2021, when police responded to reports of suspicious activity taking place in the 2900 block of Earl Grey Street in Saanich.
Following an investigation, Atta Otchere and Zoran Cooke were arrested by Saanich Police in May of 2021.
During their arrest, officers seized 38 grams of crack cocaine, divided into 106 small packages.
Both Otchere and Cooke were charged and appeared in Supreme Court for their charges throughout several days in April 2024.
However, during breaks in their Supreme Court case—after being found guilty, but before sentencing—the VicPD Strike Force unit observed the men engaging in additional alleged drug trafficking within Greater Victoria.
Search warrants were obtained for three locations for this most recent suspicion of drug trafficking, and in May 2024 approximately 250 grams of cocaine and $4,000 in cash were seized.
“It is deeply concerning that these individuals continued to engage in drug trafficking while attending court for drug trafficking offenses,” said Chief Constable Del Manak.
“Their actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the justice system and the safety of our community.”
VicPD had assistance in their search and seizures from the Island District RCMP Emergency Response Team and West Shore RCMP.
Now, as of April 22nd, Otchere and Cooke have been charged with an additional count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
No further details about this investigation can be shared at this time, as the matter is now before the courts.
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